General and Supporting Ideas

If you are feeling sad, you can make yourself feel better by doing a few simple things. You can take a walk (or get another form of exercise), you can talk to a friend, or you can write down your feelings. Writing down the good things in your life will help too. Doing something good for someone else will also help you feel better. If you still feel a little sad, act happy. It works like magic to make you feel better!
What is the main idea?

• Sometimes people feel sad.
• You should do good things for others.
• We're not always happy.
• There are many ways to make yourself feel better. 

I can't wait until this weekend! We’re going to my grandparents’ house and my entire family will be there. I will spend most of my time playing games with my cousins. We always have such a good time together! The day goes by so fast, and by the end we are all exhausted... but we still don’t want to leave!
What is the main idea?

• Weekends are times to travel.
• The author enjoys spending time with her family.
• The author's grandparents live far away.
• The author is sad to leave her cousins.

There are many fun things to do at the beach.  Swimming is one thing that can be done at the beach.  Snorkeling is another thing that can be enjoyed.  Playing beach volleyball can be a lot of fun.  It is also fun to look for shells.  Some people simply like to sunbathe.
What is the main idea?

• There are many fun things to do at the beach.
• It is also fun to look for shells.
• Some people simply like to sunbathe.
• Going to the beach to swim can be fun.

Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.  Soccer players learn how to dribble and pass the ball.  They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score.  Most importantly, soccer players learn how to work together with their teammates.
What is the main idea?

• They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score.
• Soccer players learn how to dribble.
• They learn how to work together as teammates.
• Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.

The Navajo Indians have greatly increased in numbers in the last one hundred years. One hundred years ago there were about six thousand Navajo. Today there are fifteen times that many Navajo Indians - ninety thousand. Today the Navajo is the biggest Indian tribe. What is the main idea?

• What the life of Navajo Indians is like

• Why there are so few Indians

• How much the Navajo tribe has grown

The Statue of Liberty is visited by thousands of people every year. The Statue of Liberty is a 151 foot tall statue of a woman holding a book and a torch. It was a gift of friendship from the people of France. It has become the universal symbol for freedom.
Which of the following is NOT a supporting detail? 

• The Statue of Liberty is an amazing statue
• The Statue of Liberty is 151 feet tall
• Thousands of people visit the Statues of Liberty each year
• It was a gift of friendship from France

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Niagra Falls is one of the most beautiful sights in North America. It is on the Niagra River halfway between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Niagra Falls is located on the American and Canadian border. The American Falls is 167 feet high. On the Canadian side, the Horseshoe Falls is 161 feet high. 
Which of the following is NOT a supporting detail? 

• The American Falls is 167 feet high
• The Horseshoe Falls is 161 feet high
• Niagra Falls is one of the most beautiful sights in North America
• It is located between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Yesterday was my birthday. When I woke up, I noticed my brother Jason hung up a big sign that said,"Happy Birthday, Devyn!" Mom made spaghetti for dinner.It's my favorite food in the whole world. My friend Lucas came over and handed me a wrapped gift. I wondered what it was. It was a new football! I had a great day.

What is the main idea of this paragraph?

• Jason was happy it was Devyn's birthday.

• Devyn got a lot of gifts.

• Devyn had a great birthday.

• Lucas brought the best gift.

Mark wanted to be a great skater. But he didn't want to spend the hours practicing. He wished he could just do the tricks easily. Mark's dream was to have everyone stop and stare when he entered the skate park. He wanted them to say, "Mark is the best skater in the whole world."

What is the main idea?

• Mark wants everyone to think he's a great skater without doing the hard work.

• Mark practices very hard to become a great skater.

• Mark is the best skater at the park.

• Mark wants to learn how to skate so he can compete.

Tom started to reel in his line. The fish tugged and pulled hard. Judging by the weight of his catch, this fish could feed his family for three days. Tom struggled to stay in the boat and not be pulled over the side. Finally his catch came into view. He had snagged a snapping turtle!

What is the main idea?

• Tom finds enough food for his family.

• Tom gets pulled out of his boat by a huge fish.

• Tom didn't catch anything.

• Tom catches a snapping turtle while fishing.